Turki Alalshikh is making another move that adds to the growing crossover between Saudi-backed sports ventures and pop culture.
Alalshikh announced on Instagram that Ring Magazine has partnered with Dark Horse Comics and Gail Simone for a new eight-issue comic book series titled The Ring: The Man Who Beat The Man.
The first issue is set for release on June 3, 2026, and the creative team also includes artist Elisa Romboli and colorist and letterer Iolanda Zanfardino.
Turki Alalshikh announces The Ring comic
The announcement came through Alalshikh’s Instagram to his over 40 million followers.
Worth a mention is that the historic boxing brand isn’t staying limited to the sport; it’s now pushing into comics with a high-profile creative team and a concept built around boxing mythology, ambition, and the fight to become champion.
Friends with Zack Snyder
This also lines up with what we were previously told: the Saudis, who are backing the Paramount-WBD merger, are major comic book fans.
Turki Alalshikh is a Saudi government official and royal adviser who serves as chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, and he has also become a major force in boxing through The Ring and other fight ventures.
Zack Snyder just posted a pic with him, describing Alalshikh as “such an amazing force in entertainment.”
Zack is also directing the UFC Brawler movie, which has Turki Alalshikh attached as a producer.
Update: My insiders contacted me and pointed out that Gail Simone wrote Snyder’s Rebel Moon comics. I’m told Snyder recommended Simone to the Saudis for this project. From what we have been told, the Saudis want the SnyderVerse return.
What is The Ring: The Man Who Beat The Man?
According to the official details, The Ring: The Man Who Beat The Man mixes boxing history and strategy with a fictional setting described as a merciless landscape where everyone wants to beat and become The Champ.
The series is being produced in cooperation with the editorial team at The Ring.
Dark Horse’s synopsis teases a story that looks at both the history of boxing and the mentality of the fighters stepping into the ring. Gail Simone is writing the series, with Elisa Romboli on art and Iolanda Zanfardino handling colors and letters.
Release details
The Ring: The Man Who Beat The Man #1 releases on June 3, 2026.
Here are the official details:
- Writer: Gail Simone
- Artist: Elisa Romboli
- Colorist: Iolanda Zanfardino
- Letterer: Iolanda Zanfardino
- Cover artist: Oliver Barrett
- Format: 32 pages
- Price: $4.99
- Age range: 16+
- UPC: 76156801587400111
